Cooper, Ethel – February 1918

3.2.18My dear Emmie,
Frau Jaeger did me such a good turn – I have only had a little upright piano here till now. Well, Herr Bluthner the head of the great piano firm, rents the shooting at Panitsch from the Jaegers, and wanted to renew the lease of it. And Frau Jaeger mentioned in a seemingly casual way that she would be much obliged if he would put a good piano at my disposal. A few days later, the most lovely concert grand arrived, at a practically nominal rent! Another proof how necessary it is to make yourself friends of the Mammon of Unrighteousness!

10.2.18
My dear Emmie,
I can’t think why I get no letters of any description – except local ones – I have never been so long without any news, and now I do so want to hear something of you all.
I must stop, for Herr Karg-Elert is coming this evening. He wrote some piano pieces – a cycle – and dedicated them to me a while ago. And now that I have learned them, I want to play them to him to see if he approves. I haven’t much experience of having things dedicated to me, but when it does happen, I can swear beforehand that they are things that don’t suit me at all.

17.2.18
My dear Emmie,
Three or four people are coming to tea and then we are going at 7 to a concert that Telemaque is giving. All I have been able to find is some soft cheese, which costs 7/- a lb, but of which one can make little sandwiches. There has not been any cake to be had for years almost.
For two days flags were flying everywhere, and people seemed to think they were on the verge of a general peace – then on Tuesday came the news that Trotski had broken off the peace-negotiations…
This morning I took the opportunity of going through my wardrobe – a very short proceeding, but a rather depressing one. I have two coats and skirts, and three blouses, and nothing else except for an evening dress and a sort of half evening dress.

24.2.18
My dear Emmie,
I had another visit from the police this week, but this time they only wanted to know what money I had, and where I got it from. I referred them to the Dutch Consul and have heard nothing more as yet.